24 REPS

30.5 INCH

105.0 INCH

7.34 SEC

4.47 SEC

Overview

Started in 46 of 49 games played. Two-time first-team All-SEC (2012-13) selection. 2013: First-team AP All-American and an Outland Trophy finalist. Started all 13 games at left tackle. Won the national Bobby Bowden Award presented for high performance on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. 2012: Started all 13 games at right tackle. 2011: Honorable mention All-Big 12 pick after starting all 13 games at right tackle. 2010: Honorable mention All-Big 12 pick after playing in 10 games and making seven starts. Misc.: Son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Bruce Matthews. Older brother Kevin was a 2-year starter at A&M (2008-09) and younger brother Mike is a current Aggie offensive lineman. Cousin is Clay Matthews of the Green Bay Packers.

Analysis

Strengths

Big, strong, athletic, natural bender. Exceptional technician. Explosive six-inch punch -- quick, active hands. Outstanding base, balance, body control and hand placement. Drives defenders off the ball -- outstanding run blocker. Explosive hip snap. Takes good angles to the second level. Plays with very good awareness -- shows very good athletic ability flipping his hips and adjusting to moving pockets with a jitterbug quarterback. Keen to recognize and quick to adjust to the blitz. Strong finisher -- displays a mean streak and seeks to finish. Has long-snapping experience. Hails from football royalty family -- third-generation NFLer. Tough competitor. Very focused and determined. Humble and grounded. Outstanding all-around character. Film junkie. Started in the SEC for 3-plus seasons. Extremely durable -- missed no time to injuries.

Weaknesses

Arm length appears too short -- limited reach and extension. Operated in a spread offense. Can do a better job sustaining (though was presented with a near-impossible task of knowing where the pocket would be to protect). Has only one year of experience at left tackle.

Draft Projection

Round 1 (top 10)

Bottom Line

Smart, tough, versatile franchise left tackle capable of playing all five positions on the line. Can plug into a starting lineup immediately and will play a long time at a consistently high level. One of the safest picks in the draft, Matthews' best position might even be center.
-Nolan Nawrocki